Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

MOYNAT Réjane

Rejane in Petrol Blue

MOYNAT Réjane

MOYNAT Limousine Suitecase

Moynat's Limousine Suitcase pictured in Paris by Andy Julia for Parisian Gentleman

MOYNAT Réjane

Named after Gabrielle-Charlotte Réju (dite Réjane) who was, along with Sarah Bernhadt, the most illustrious French actress of the Belle Epoque (late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries), the Réjane bag is Moynat’s celebration of its links with the theatre. The first Moynat store was located across the street from the Théâtre Français and Réjane herself was the muse of Moynat and a friend of Pauline Moynat, from her days as “queen of the boulevard” in Paris to her success on the New York stage with Madame Sans Gène. The actress even commissioned a Moynat crocodile leather trunk, with a padded blue and mauve lining, that was used as a prop in her play Viveurs. The Rejane bag, then, is true to the spirit of the actress, renowned for her innovative and modern acting, dubbed “Nerve art” by contemporaries. It is versatile and can be worn as a handbag or with a shoulder sling. The delicate curves of the silhouette are highlighted by the rounded metal closure that is a re-edition of the original Art Deco piece. The bag strikes a perfect balance between femininity and the signature purity of line that characterises Moynat. The Réjane is available in a variety of colours in Taurillon Gex leather.

Réjane and her Moynat bag in Décoré (1888)

1903 Ad showing the first Réjane bag published in The Theatre magazine

MOYNAT Cabas Quattro

Cabas Quattro in Taurillon Gex leather with Art Deco Initials

MOYNAT Cabas Initial

One of the many styles of Moynat Monograms.

MOYNAT Voltige Card Holder

This for me is a truly a luxury piece.  Even though you can only fit a handful of cards in it, there is something to be said for a such a small leather good and yet so much attention is paid to making one.  I love the scallop detail that this Voltige has and sets it apart from other card holders.

Joyeux Halloween!!!

Achie's MOYNAT Cabas Initial

dear francis, i'm very thankful that i stumbled upon your blog on Moynat. finally, i found someone who loves this brand as much as i do. btw, i also love the people there especially Guillaume, he's such a very sweet and charming  guy. best regards, achie

MOYNAT Historic Trunk

Enjoying Washington D.C.

The East Coast is gearing up for a major storm tomorrow but you can't tell from the beautiful Fall weather that we experienced today. My brother's family is here for their annual visit, so we enjoyed some touristy things by visiting the usual sights of the nation's capital.  With two kids in tow, my Cabas Quattro was perfect for running around with them.

Quattro in Indigo Initial Canvas

My wish was answered by Moynat! I really love the new Indigo of the Initial canvas especially in this combination with the tan trim.  As I was expecting, it translated well into bags which fits perfectly with the casual lifestyle. 

Happy Halloween!!!

MOYNAT Cabas Initial

One of these days, I would really like to interview Jimmy Cohrssen. He takes the most amazing photos for Moynat.  Pictured here is the Cabas Initial in Carbon as it lazily rests on a plush velveteen chair. It's as if it is pondering what move to take on the chess board.  More importantly, who is the Cabas playing with? 

MOYNAT Cabotin

The Cabotin in Etoupe (October 5, 2012 of ELLE France)

Natalia Vodianova & the MOYNAT Rejane

When I first posted this photo of Natalia this morning, there was no information on the bag she was carrying. A quick email to M. Davin and he promptly replied that they were thinking of calling it

Réjane

 Named after a Belle Époque actress, Gabrielle Réjane, she was a dear friend of Pauline Moynat. Pauline used to design trunks for the actress' theatre performances at the Comédie-Française. It is interesting to note that in the 1890's, there was already a Moynat bag with this name. 

 Slated to be released in time for Christmas, this delightful shoulder and handheld city bag is sure to win the hearts of Moynat's growing followers. I believe that Mademoiselle Gabrielle would highly approve!

MOYNAT Initial Canvas goes casual chic!

Wow, I am very excited with this new colour from Moynat.  Inspired by denim blue jeans, this is the perfect reincarnation of Henri Rapin's monogram design that makes it young and current. It's truly amazing how a simple colour change can reinvent the look.  Currently it is only available in the Virage (as far as I know) and I can't wait for it to translate into bags. 

Voyage d'automne

Too bad Paris is 3,846 miles from me!

MOYNAT and Mount Fuji

This is by far my favourite of Jimmy Cohrssen's photos for Moynat.  The mountain at sunrise is the perfect backdrop to photograph not only the lights of nature but those that the Initial canvas itself tries to capture.  With its iridescent "M"s,  you really have to see up close and personal the Moynat canvas to truly appreciate the craftsmanship that went into it.  

MOYNAT's First Fashion's Night Out September 6, 2012

Polish Fashion Model and Actress Malgosia Bela with her Pauline

MOYNAT joins Fashion's Night Out

Mark the date, folks! On September 6, 2012, Moynat joins Vogue Paris Fashion's Night Out by releasing a limited edition Cabas Initial with yellow trim.  

Late Night With My Quattro

Shakes and Caramel French Toast at our local American diner.

A walk by the riverbank...

...with a Paradis

MOYNAT Cabas Pauline

MOYNAT Cabas Quattro

The Quattro is still my favourite of all of Ramesh's designs and it's so uniquely Moynat. I have had a couple of people who have stopped me on the street to ask about it. The four handles is definitely a conversation point. Though it comes in leather, I still prefer the Initial canvas of Henri Rapin especially with the array of trim colours that Moynat now offers.

Hello, Guillaume!!!

I love the reflection of Moynat's President as he takes a photo of the Bastille Day 2012 window.

MOYNAT Holdall

One thing that I don't see a lot of men carry in the US is a good briefcase.  I use mass transit to go to and from work and the Metro is littered with messengers and the oh-so dreadful backpack! Thus I could appreciate the beauty of the Holdall as it sits on a chair in the Tuileries.

MOYNAT Cabas Pauline

MOYNAT Paradis

Nothing compares to a purse crafted out of exotic skin. Chosen for their outstanding scale pattern, Crocodile mississippiensis is hewn perfectly by the craftsman on this rouge Paradis. I have only seen chocolat as another colour for it but I look forward to future releases.

MOYNAT Reversible Cabas Quattro

Reversible Cabas Quattro in Bleu and Slate